Traffic Safety Campaigns

Click it or Ticket

Seat belts are the single most effective safety technology in the history of the automobile.

A NHTSA study of lives saved by vehicle technologies found that, between 1960 and 2012, seat belts saved more lives—329,715, to be exact—than all other vehicle technologies combined, including air bags, energy-absorbing steering assemblies, and electronic stability control.

Of course, seat belts have been available much longer than many of the other safety features the study reviewed.

But they remain your first line of defense in a crash and your first step toward safer driving.

Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over

Drunk Driving is a problem on our nation’s roads every day, but it’s more prevalent during the holidays. During the New Year’s and Christmas periods in 2018, there were 285 drunk-driving-related fatalities. These deaths were 100% preventable. In 2018, there were 10,511 people killed nationwide in drunk-driving crashes, accounting for nearly one-third of the crash fatalities that year. The tragedy of these deaths is felt year-round, but for many, most strongly during the holidays.

IF YOU FEEL DIFFERENT, YOU DRIVE DIFFERENT — DRIVE HIGH GET A DUI

Like drunk driving, drug-impaired driving is illegal in all 50 states. In 2017, 45% of the drivers killed in fatal crashes who were tested for drugs, tested positive. Whether the drug is obtained legally or illegally, drug-impaired driving can be deadly for drivers, passengers, and others on the road.

-Provided by NHSTA

NHTSA Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over

Watch Out for Motorcycles

Motorcycle riders continue to be over represented in fatal traffic crashes. In 2019, 5,014 motorcyclists died. To keep everyone safe, we urge driver and motorcyclists to share the road and be alert, and we’re reminding motorcyclists to make themselves visible, to use DOT-compliant motorcycle helmets, and to always ride sober.

Safe riding practices and cooperation from all road users will help reduce the number of fatalities and injuries on our nation’s highways. But it’s especially important for drivers to understand the safety challenges faced by motorcyclists such as size and visibility, and motorcycle riding practices like downshifting and weaving to know how to anticipate and respond to them. By raising motorists’ awareness, both drivers and riders will be safer sharing the road.

-Provided by NHSTA

When You Drive Without a Seatbelt

Stay Alive - Don't Text and Drive

Distracted driving is dangerous, claiming 3,142 lives in 2020. NHTSA leads the national effort to save lives by preventing this dangerous behavior. Get the facts, get involved, and help us keep America’s roads safe.

What is Distracted Driving?

Distracted driving is an activity that diverts attention from driving, including talking or texting on your phone, eating and drinking, talking to people in your vehicle, fiddling with the stereo, entertainment or navigation system – anything that takes your attention away from the task of safe driving.

Texting is the most alarming distraction. Sending or reading a text takes your eyes off the road for 5 seconds. At 55 mph, that’s like driving the length of an entire football field with your eyes closed.

You cannot drive safely unless the task of driving has your full attention. Any non-driving activity you engage in is a potential distraction and increases your risk of crashing.

-Provided by NHSTA